Boy Scout Leader Proposes Lower Fundraising Quota
by: Daniel Riehs
BALTIMORE—Mark Johnson, an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 728, met with resistance Tuesday when he proposed a lower fundraising quota for the scouts in his troop. The change, which would give the scouts more time to raise money for their scout troop, was labeled irresponsible by fellow troop leaders.
"We're already running over budget," said Troop Treasurer Steven Bryers. "One thing is certain, our budget will be much lower next year if we decide not to make it as high as we did this year."
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Bryers then added, "Besides, I'm not convinced that lowering the amount of time scouts need to spend fundraising will really increase the amount of time that they can spend fundraising."
Johnson was so confident in his plan that he decided to speak out about it at a recent troop meeting.
"By lowering the amount of money that the boys have to raise," said Johnson, "They will have more time to fundraise. This, in turn, will increase the revenue flow into the troop."
Johnson then added, "This all depends, however; on whether or not the scouts spend their new free time raising money. If they spend their time earning merit badges, reading, or doing community service, everything is lost. The whole plan will be a waste."
Experts theorize that the scouts in Troop 728 may feel uneasy about throwing all of their new-found time right back into fundraising.
"Many adolencents are uncomfortable with selling pretzels in front of the local Pathmark," physiatrist William Buckly told reporters. "These feelings of uneasiness can cause children to invest their free time wisely instead of spending it quickly."
Pundits have been quick to point out that although there has been much talk about the way that troop funds are to be raised in the future, very little recent discussion has gone to the actual use of the funds. Some theorize that removing inefficiencies in troop spending could all but eliminate the troop's financial problems.
Said Johnson of that particular issue, "It's definitely something that we'll take into consideration at the next board meeting on the troop yacht."
Troop 728 is sponsored by St. John's Presbyterian Church.
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